Nick Saban shares humorous White House visit story during graduation speech
- In 2018, Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide football team visited the White House after winning the national championship.
- During the visit, a playful interaction occurred involving a red button on Trump's desk that Trump encouraged a player to push.
- Nick Saban's humorous recounting of the event highlighted the lighter side of their visit, emphasizing the bond between the team and Trump.
In May 2025, President Donald Trump returned to the University of Alabama to address graduating students and reflect on the school's achievements, particularly in football. This appearance follows the memorable 2018 visit when the Alabama Crimson Tide, led by head coach Nick Saban, celebrated their national championship win over Georgia. Trump was noted for being a gracious host during this visit, as he welcomed the team to the Oval Office. Nick Saban, speaking before Trump, recounted an amusing exchange involving a red button on the President's desk, suggesting it might be used to launch missiles. One of the players, Rashaan Evans, was encouraged by Trump to push the button, resulting in a humorous moment when a staff member brought in a Coke. The anecdote highlighted the camaraderie and lighter moments shared between the football team and Trump during their visit. Saban expressed gratitude towards Trump for choosing Alabama as a commencement address venue, also noting the historical significance of his retirement in January 2024, which had a profound impact on college football.